REVEALED: Thousands in Wiltshire Turn to A&E for Dental Pain Amid NHS Dentist Crisis

New figures revealed by Wiltshire MP Sarah Gibson show that more than 3,500 people across Swindon and Wiltshire have attended A&E at Great Western Hospital with dental pain.

Data revealed in a Freedom of Information request, shines a light on the growing dental crisis facing the region, with many residents unable to get an NHS dental appointment and turning to emergency services instead.

In total, 4,138 people went to Great Western Hospital for dental related pain in the last four years.

“These figures reveal the cost of the Government not supporting our NHS dentists,” said Sarah Gibson, Liberal Democrat MP for Chippenham. “Wiltshire and Swindon have become dental deserts, forcing people to travel to our hospitals because they cannot see a dentist in their community.”

“This only puts more pressure on our overstretched hospital services, who are doing a fantastic job under immense strain.”

“I am disappointed that the Government’s NHS 10 Year Plan did not come with the long-promised NHS dental contract reform – something the British Dental Association and dentists in my constituency are crying out for.”

The Liberal Democrats have been leading calls in Parliament for urgent reform to tackle the national shortage of NHS dental care. The party is calling for:

• Immediate reform of NHS dental contracts to bring more dentists back into the NHS;
• A new dental healthcare plan for every child under 11;
• Targeted funding to reopen services in dental deserts like Wiltshire;
• Guaranteed access to a local NHS dentist for everyone who needs one.

Access to NHS dental care across Wiltshire has sharply declined, with many patients reporting long waits, being removed from practice lists, or being told to seek private treatment. In some cases, people have attempted dangerous DIY fixes due to lack of access.

“It’s simply unacceptable that in 2025, thousands of people in our part of Wiltshire have ended up in A&E for dental pain because they cannot get a routine appointment,” said Sarah Gibson MP. “This is a dental crisis made in Downing Street – and it’s local families who are paying the price.”